Heliconia in the Morning Garden

[doranakandawatta]

We planted some varieties we have found in Colombo flower exhibition but I ignore the names of them.
I am also wondering if these huge plants can be an issue when associated with palms.
They certainly make good compost, but I am afraid they drink and eat too much what the palms need.

We'll see… How about your experiences?

 

[Really full garden]

Philippe, I have about forty varieties of heliconias, most are grown in rows for cut flowers but I do use them in my garden. I find the do well planted among the palms ,but do suffer from falling palm fronds.

[Cindy Adair]

 

Thanks for the photos!

I have many many different kinds of Heliconias as the previous owner is passionate about them.

I am trying to learn more plant names and have joined the active PR Heliconia society.

Because they grow very well here I am in the process of limiting each clump size to make room for more palms of course. They seem to respond well to thinning and I can see the blooms more easily too so it's a win win situation. 

Some low growing forms are vigorous ground covers and help hold the soil and prevent erosion. They look nice underneath some trunking palms too.

Lastly they are quite good for trading with other plant collectors here.

Likely because I did not plant any of them myself, I appreciate them as I walk by, but rarely photograph them. Among recent months, these three are all I could find documented. Yet without heliconias my farm would not be the same!

They are the essence of care free tropical extravagance in form and color.

One day updating the inventory list and placing labels on each clump will reach the top of my list... So far my only step in that direction is the stack of uncut PVC pipes that I use to hold the aluminum labels that await proper placement.

Right now I am busily trying to get plants of all kinds that are in pots into the ground before heading to the Biennial.

 

 

 

[Kevin S]

 Thank you for the heliconia pics.  Looking forward when my small clump start flowering.  I hope some of them start this year for me if they do I could post some pics also.

[SailorBold]

Beautiful!  If only....